As of 2011, the world's total magnesium reserves stood at over 2.19 billion tonnes. Russia, North Korea and China possess the most substantial reserves; their combined share of the world's total figure is equivalent to around 67%. In 2011, the global primary magnesium production grew by around 2.2% YoY and climbed to nearly 827,000 tonnes.

In the same year, China took lead in terms of magnesium supply volume, calling for approximately 80% of the global magnesium production. Other important magnesium manufacturing countries included the US, Russia, Israel, Kazakhstan and Brazil. The growth in the world magnesium market during the past several years was driven by a significant increase in the major magnesium end-use sector, namely the automotive industry.

The worldwide magnesium production volume is poised for 8% YoY growth in the next 5 years. As of 2016, the global magnesium production is predicted to exceed 1.13 million tones.

• [Editor:Ginna]